Three major (the power of three, sometimes you get two sometimes four) points drawn from this period
1-Origins of Korean Church
~ 1780s
- first contact with Christianity in 16th century as Japanese attacked Korea
- Christianity was not active in 16th century
2-Growth of Christianity 1780s - 1880s
1780s - 1880s
- Koryeo society was based on Buddhism, then Chosun based on Confucianism
- Christianity was established during that time and was attractive because promised equality
- Chosun viewed Christianity as threat and kicked out
- introduced by Korean
3-Introduction of protestantism, Christianity 1880s - 1910s
1880s - 1910s
- Catholic community was suffering and Protestant missionaries came
- Protestant Christianity grew larger and donated a lot and offered a lot of chance to get experience western cultures
4-Korean Christianity under Japanese
Occupation 1910-1945
1910 - 1945
- Christians protested against Japanese
- Japanese forced Shintoism, but Koreans refused and gathered in church
- Bible written in Hangul, spreading Hangul, rising in nationalism
5-Korean Christianity since 1945
1945 ~
- during 60s and 70s, Christianity made Korea become democratic
- during Korean War, Christians helped Korea a lot in aiding
- modernization of Korea
Document 5
1. Why might Christianity have benefited from the push towards modernization and economic growth and eventually democracy?
- Koreans might have wanted to be like other wealthy countries, where Christianity is popular. Also, as South Korea developed economically, individuals' wealth have increased. As result, there should have been more donation by wealthy people and poor people would have gotten helped by them, getting attracted in Christianity. Also, until democracy, religions in Korea were not opened to new ones. However, democracy gave people choice in their religions, which certainly sped up increase in Christians.
2. What did churches offer that might have attracted followers during this time of tremendous change in South Korea?
- Churches offered aids to poor, health problems, and development of talents of youths. Aids to poor definitely should have attracted poor people as they needed help. Aids on health problems not only attracted patients, but also helped in improvement of overall Korean medical science. Lastly, help on development of youths' talents gave opportunity to young children, even for those who are not Christians, to associate with others. Also, as Christian churches gave the opportunities, young people who got those chances would favor Christianity, resulting in becoming themselves members of Christian churches and making their children also to become Christians.
Source: The Korea Society
Author: Elizabeth Rice The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture
Examine the films in Document 6. List all the items found and explain their significance.
- hanbok - tradition
- table set up with foods - for ancestors
- music & instruments - make gut more fun
- flags, knives, bu-chae - represents what they are trying to do
Describe your group's feelings in viewing the films.
- Even though never seen before, I have heard of mudang and thought they were just fortune-tellers. However, I was amazed to figure out that it was actually more like religion. Also, I have heard that my mom has visited mudang a few times to learn more about future and she also told me that it was in place like store. Therefore, I thought mudang was only in private place, but I didn't know there were mudang on public, which there was in the video. It was interesting to see kut.
How do the films express Korean religious beliefs and practices?
- I think these films show that Koreans still believe in evil spirits and existence of exorcist. Also, the films show that kut still exists, even though the practices are not that common to my generation. In addition, Kut was performed after Namdaemun burning, which was great issue to all Koreans, not only limited to mudang, so I think that mudang is kind of still popular in Korea.
The first film above was shot during a kut after Namdaemun had been burnt down. Explain why this kut was performed (as best you can)?
- I think that as Namdaemun, Korean national treasure, was burnt down, mudang people might have thought that there were still some evil spirits that caused the burning left in the area and so they are trying to take the evil spirits away through kut. Retrieval chart on Shintoism
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
- Even though Han Fei thinks that both strong rulers and strict laws are needed to strong countries, he thinks that law is the priority. His idea is that if there is no good law, then there can't be good ruler. In the document, it is quoted that "find out men following the discipline of laws and regulations."
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
- "Two Handles" are chastisement and commendation. They are important to legalist state because chastisement punishes people who are doing something wrong and commendation encourages people who are doing something well. Sovereign must use the "Two Handles" because balance of the handles would prevent any threat and make people to respect the ruler.
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
- Individuality is not big part of Han Fei's ideal state because Legalism is more about controlling society as whole, not individuals.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
- Legalism would have been appealing to people in lower classes of society who didn't have much right and power compared to upper classes because everything is applied equally to everyone. Regardless of wealth and position in society, both chastisement and commendation is applied equally to everyone as everyone is same as one another.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
Taoist
Confucian
Legalist
purpose of good government
let and makepeople follow what nature does
role-model of how people should be
organize and regulate society
role of morality in formulating law
no need of law, so morality is not
necessary in formulating law
not a big factor to consider when formulating law
biggest part in formulating law
qualities of a superior ruler
ruler who follows what nature does
and do not try to disturb with it
ruler who has a lot of knowledge
and is respected by others
ruler who can follow rules well
"might makes right"
if simpleminded, everything is right
(there is no right or wrong)
intelligence and respectability makes right
law makes right
Essential quotes of Taoism
In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
- I think "Mysterious" has similarity with heaven and hell concept in Christianity. Also, it is stated that "Mysterious" can't be described in words and one without greed will go to heaven, whereas one with desire will go to hell. These ideas seem to be similar to Christian ideals.
See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How does this help one to understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
- Idea of honoring can be found from Confucianism; idea of greed, Buddhism and idea of simple-minded, Taoism. Even though each idea is a main theme of one of three belief systems, all of them are found in Tao Teh Ching, which well shows Taoism ideas. Therefore, one can know that two other belief systems are partially related in Taoism.
In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
- I personally think that relaxing mind means to get rid of complex ideas and make mind simple, a Taoist idea. Reinforcing abdomen means to think about core or inner mind and respect, which relates to Confucianism. Also, gentling will represents clearing desire or greed, which is found in also Buddhism. Also, strengthening bones tells one to be fully filled with principles of these belief systems.
Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
- In Tao Te Ching, it is described that government should not be strict to limit people from doing. However, this contradicts Confucius' ideal, which is that government should lead people. I think the government that Tao Te Ching describes is not absolutely, but most similar to anarchy because the government doesn't do any actions and has no big role. I think this is not a good system because if the government doesn't restrict people, then there are definitely going to be people who commit crimes, make society unstable, and will eventually turn in to chaos.
Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
- To me, not daring to take lead means that one should not get into high position just because of ambition. I agree with this because most people, who tries to get in position simply for their reputation or any personal interest, don't care about what happens after they get into position. As they achieved their goal, they don't mind anything, take no responsibilities, and don't work hard. Therefore, this warns people who are ambitious to think about if they are going to work hard, take responsibilities, and be help to others. The Tao of Pooh Wikipost
1. summary
Benjamin Hoff , the author of “The Tao of Pooh” has written the book of Taoism in an easy manner. He took the famous character of Winnie the Pooh and has written the book as if he is talking to him. The result is phenomenal as he was able to make the audience understand the complex principles of Taoism through easy English and language as if he talking to a kid and making him understand the complex principles of Taoism. During the pages, the conversation starts with Benjamin as he is writing in first person and Winnie the Pooh regarding various ways to pronounce various words.Then he tries to understand the principle of uncarved block and compares that with the Pooh, the bear because at times he seems too simple. Piglet and rabbit started also giving their opinion as everybody was resting in a sand pit and although they were getting bored by it, but they cannot do anything but to expect it as a resting abode. However after some time they came to conclusion that Rabbit and owl are brainy but the mist brainy who also has the biggest attitude is Eeyore the donkey. But everyone admitted that everybody like Pooh, maybe because of the principle of uncarved block. They tried to understand the reason behind it but could not get except the fact that he is a fun to be with and he thinks life as fun.
2. discussion questions
1. How is P'u defined? How does compositions of written charater P'u match with definition of P'u? (p.11)
2. To what range is Taoist principle applied? (p.11)
3. What does Pooh mean when he says that what they weren't looking for might be what they were actually looking for? (p.13)
4. Why does Pooh, or Taoist, think that having brain makes somebody never able to understand anything? (p.15)
5. Pooh couldn't describe Uncarved Block. Why? (p.19)
6. How are Confucianists going to think about Taoist belief that not being smart is harmless and silly things sometimes turn out to be right?
3. thematic analysis
The theme of life explained by Tao suggests the completeness of life in living within the laws of the nature. It is no doubt that we have to face the difficulties daily. This implies to the fact as we all are aware of the problems that has to come to our lives but we don’t relish these problems and try our best to avoid the inevitable. Lao Tse has described that if we are going to try harder to do this the life will either taste sour as described in Confucianism or bitter as mentioned in Buddhism, but if we take it “The Way” it is dawned upon us by the nature then it will sweet because it has the adventure of hunting like a dog and sweetness of singing like a bird. Trying to manipulate it the human way will ultimately leads to sufferings and we stop enjoying it. Hence, we must follow the Pooh’s way of living for the moment and not worrying for what is to come because that will not allow us to become happy and relish our life. Pooh enjoys life and thinks it as a fun, which is very necessary in the modern world as people do not understand this and continue to worry unnecessarily. Thus one should be relaxed and take life as a funas this is the understanding of the principle of uncarved block in Taoism.
Taoism Poem Questions
Why does the author choose a butterfly?
- Because butterfly flies and humans dream of flying, I think the butterfly is illustrated as human's desire.
What is the importance of the water cycle?
- Water is repeating its form in cycle, so I think water cycle shows that humans change over time. In other words, people keep changing in their forms.
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
Even though the farmer was former prince, he became a farmer. Prince would obviously have not wanted to be farmer, so the poem tells that you can be a type of person that you didn't want.
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
Humans dream of ideal world or what they want to do, but there are times when they have to do what they don't want. Therefore, the author is trying to convey that humans should live as the world is.
The Tao of Pooh Questions
What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The significance is that the painting illustrates three teachings of China with vinegar representing Essence of Life.
What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
By working in harmony with whatever happens in your life, you will live happy life.
How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Uncarved block is not cut, so has its original simplicity and natural power.
What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
The secret message is that, by being simpleminded, you can accomplish what you do.
What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
The conflict was that scholars were on side of Confucianist, so had biased views, favoring Confucianism ideas.
Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Rabbit and owl represent Confucianist and pooh represents Taoist.
What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
Hoff thinks that Confucianist scholars study too much for knowledge for themselves using difficult words, hindering the spread of Confucianism. Also, they don't get enlightened.
What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
Hoff says that they are different. Also, knowledge from experience is more valuable than simple knowledge.
What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
The cause of problems is because it results, either directly or indirectly, into limitations, nearsightedness, or neglect
What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness, is not good because it has its limitations. Moreover It is a mechanical judgment and at times clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn't look very deeply into things, while Inner Nature is always preferred as it's pretty much beyond the reality and honest and also close to human nature power of the intellect to measure or understand
Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
people must discern inner nature because When they know and respect their own Inner Nature, they know where they belong. They also know where they don't belong.
Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
It means that those who know what's wrong with them and take care of themselves accordingly will tend to live a lot longer than those who consider themselves perfectly healthy and neglect their weaknesses. So, in that sense at least, a Weakness of some sort can do you a big favor, if you acknowledge that it's there.
What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
He means that We don't need to imitate Nearsighted Science, Neither we must peers at the world through an electron microscope, looking for answers it will never find but coming up with more questions instead. We don't need to play Abstract Philosopher, asking unnecessary questions and coming up with meaningless answers we must be relaxed and work with things as they are answers
What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
Inner Nature, when relied on, cannot be fooled. But many people do not look at it or listen to it, and consequently do not understand themselves very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others.
What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance starts with recognizing who we are, what we've got to work with, and what works best for us.
How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
The basic Taoism that we are concerned with here is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working, with whatever happens in everyday life It means that the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.Taoism is not found in the lifeless writings of the humorless Academic Mortician, whose bleached-out Scholarly Dissertations contain no more of the character of Taoist wisdom as some people think.
What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
Wu Wei, or “The Pooh Way”, is defined as “without doing, causing, or making”, according to Hoff. This basically means that you shouldn’t struggle to go against nature, and just live with the natural laws.
How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
Tao does not try to change the natural laws, and accepts the way that the nature provides him to do things. Nothing is not done, would mean that something is done, even though Tao didn’t try to change the way of nature. Wu Wei, or “The Pooh Way”, meant that one should not go against the nature of things, and this was what Tao was basically referring to.
How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi does not use force, yet the main idea of the practice is to wear the opponent out by sending ones energy back to weaken the opponents power, balance, and position-for-defense. Since Wu Wei (Taoism) also overcomes force by neutralizing its power, rather than using force, it is reflected as a martial art.
Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
I personally think that I am a Bisy Backson due to the fact that everything I do relates to work. Even though I don’t wish to study, it is part of my work, that must be accomplished, and even as I rest, I rest in order to work, so rest would go into the section of work.
What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson views the American history as a progress of fighting and overcoming, a palce that doesn’t have much peace, but only uncomfortable fighting according to Hoff. A real progress would involve growing and development, that would involve change in the inside.
How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson wastes time because he tries to save time, which eventually goes into the waste. Hoff doesn’t believe that one can save time, but can spend it wisely.
What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
The Youthful Immortal is having a young appearance with energy, that allows you through out a long living life. One must discover the Secrets of Life in order to achieve such abilities.
What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
True happiness in life is from the process that we go through, in order to reach our goals because it is what motivates us to actually do something. Once someone achieves their goal, they must make a new one, or else they wouldn’t have such a desire to live a long life, since they don’t have a goal. Through out the process of struggling to achieve a goal, you are might be rewarded, and learn new things that you didn’t know before.
What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
Taoism states that everyone is “special” and therefore we need to find what we are best at and do what we are good at. The stonecutter is important because he shows a man who was dissatisfied with his position. However, when he found out that he was the only one who could destroy one stone, he felt powerful.
Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
It has significance because compassion brings wisdom and because the root of the Latin word heart, cor, is the basis for the word courage. If one is not caring or compassionate about something, that person cannot be wise nor courageous.
Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One finds wisdom, happiness and courage when they appreciate who they are and what they have at the moment. Since everything works as a cycle, they are at the beginning of the cycle and at the end. Therefore, when they realize who they are is precious, they will find wisdom, happiness and courage.
What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
He states that nothing is after all something and that something real is nothing at all. They state that nothingness is the key to achieving a fresh mind.
Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
Empty sort of mind is valuable because it can see what’s in front of it. Overstuffed mind is not able to do this. The more stuffed up a person is, the less person will be likely hear with their own ears and see it with their own eyes. Knowledge impedes them in thinking their own way.
Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
The quote “To attain knowledge, add things everyday. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” means that if people want knowledge, they should learn everyday and add knowledge to their brain. However, if one wants to be wise, their mind needs to be clear of everything according to Taoism and therefore, they have to empty it. Only those with empty mind will be able to see things clearly.
Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
Child is the highest stage of development because they are pure and they don’t have much knowledge. They are clear-minded and all-seeing. This quality lets them be wise compared to adults who know a lot.
Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge lets one to look things in the wrong way and in the wrong place. Therefore, knowledge and cleverness goes on wrecking things. Taoism states that nothing comes from Knowledge and Cleverness. Confucius Quotes (humanity)
"Is humanity far away? As soon as I want it, there it is right by me." (7:29) by Confucius
= this quote is saying that as soon as you decide to be part of humanity, you can be. Therefore, your mind is what determines you.
- discussion question*
What kind of quality or virtue is jen or humanity, and what kind of person could be called a person of humanity?
Loving everybody, not being selfish, and having no greed are qualities of humanity. A person of humanity should be able to live with others peacefully and would work for him/herself, but would also help others while doing it.
Do you find any similarities between the humanity of Confucius and the guiding principles of another religious tradition with which you may be familiar - for example, love or charity in Christianity, social responsibility in Judaism, or compassion in Buddhism? Any differences? Note: you might need to examine those faiths of which you know very little in order to learn something about them before answering this question.
Humanity of Confucius states to help not only yourself, but also the others. Similar to it, in Christianity, Christians help people, especially poor people, when they need help. However, Confucianism focus more on having good relationships with others by helping, but Christianity is concentrating more on providing basic requirements for living for people who need help. Confucianism notes
WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
- They both don't exist physically, so their existences depend on whether you believe them or not. Also, they act as guideline for your life.
- They are important because they sometimes make people to calm down and feel confidence when having hard time. Also, they lead how you should live and what to aim at during lifetime.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/30/world/asia/china-elderly-aids/index.html
F Shin Sukwon Ancient History Unit 3
Christianity in Korea
- Christianity was not active in 16th century
- Christianity was established during that time and was attractive because promised equality
- Chosun viewed Christianity as threat and kicked out
- introduced by Korean
- Protestant Christianity grew larger and donated a lot and offered a lot of chance to get experience western cultures
Occupation 1910-1945
- Japanese forced Shintoism, but Koreans refused and gathered in church
- Bible written in Hangul, spreading Hangul, rising in nationalism
- during Korean War, Christians helped Korea a lot in aiding
- modernization of Korea
Document 5
1. Why might Christianity have benefited from the push towards modernization and economic growth and eventually democracy?
- Koreans might have wanted to be like other wealthy countries, where Christianity is popular. Also, as South Korea developed economically, individuals' wealth have increased. As result, there should have been more donation by wealthy people and poor people would have gotten helped by them, getting attracted in Christianity. Also, until democracy, religions in Korea were not opened to new ones. However, democracy gave people choice in their religions, which certainly sped up increase in Christians.
2. What did churches offer that might have attracted followers during this time of tremendous change in South Korea?
- Churches offered aids to poor, health problems, and development of talents of youths. Aids to poor definitely should have attracted poor people as they needed help. Aids on health problems not only attracted patients, but also helped in improvement of overall Korean medical science. Lastly, help on development of youths' talents gave opportunity to young children, even for those who are not Christians, to associate with others. Also, as Christian churches gave the opportunities, young people who got those chances would favor Christianity, resulting in becoming themselves members of Christian churches and making their children also to become Christians.
Source: The Korea Society
Author: Elizabeth Rice
The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture
- Examine the films in Document 6. List all the items found and explain their significance.
- hanbok - tradition- table set up with foods - for ancestors
- music & instruments - make gut more fun
- flags, knives, bu-chae - represents what they are trying to do
- Describe your group's feelings in viewing the films.
- Even though never seen before, I have heard of mudang and thought they were just fortune-tellers. However, I was amazed to figure out that it was actually more like religion. Also, I have heard that my mom has visited mudang a few times to learn more about future and she also told me that it was in place like store. Therefore, I thought mudang was only in private place, but I didn't know there were mudang on public, which there was in the video. It was interesting to see kut.- How do the films express Korean religious beliefs and practices?
- I think these films show that Koreans still believe in evil spirits and existence of exorcist. Also, the films show that kut still exists, even though the practices are not that common to my generation. In addition, Kut was performed after Namdaemun burning, which was great issue to all Koreans, not only limited to mudang, so I think thatmudang is kind of still popular in Korea.
- The first film above was shot during a kut after Namdaemun had been burnt down. Explain why this kut was performed (as best you can)?
- I think that as Namdaemun, Korean national treasure, was burnt down, mudang people might have thought that there were still some evil spirits that caused the burning left in the area and so they are trying to take the evil spirits away through kut.Retrieval chart on Shintoism
Legalism
- In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
- Even though Han Fei thinks that both strong rulers and strict laws are needed to strong countries, he thinks that law is the priority. His idea is that if there is no good law, then there can't be good ruler. In the document, it is quoted that "find out men following the discipline of laws and regulations."- What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
- "Two Handles" are chastisement and commendation. They are important to legalist state because chastisement punishes people who are doing something wrong and commendation encourages people who are doing something well. Sovereign must use the "Two Handles" because balance of the handles would prevent any threat and make people to respect the ruler.- What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
- Individuality is not big part of Han Fei's ideal state because Legalism is more about controlling society as whole, not individuals.- Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
- Legalism would have been appealing to people in lower classes of society who didn't have much right and power compared to upper classes because everything is applied equally to everyone. Regardless of wealth and position in society, both chastisement and commendation is applied equally to everyone as everyone is same as one another.necessary in formulating law
and do not try to disturb with it
and is respected by others
(there is no right or wrong)
Essential quotes of Taoism
- In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
- I think "Mysterious" has similarity with heaven and hell concept in Christianity. Also, it is stated that "Mysterious" can't be described in words and one without greed will go to heaven, whereas one with desire will go to hell. These ideas seem to be similar to Christian ideals.- See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How does this help one to understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
- Idea of honoring can be found from Confucianism; idea of greed, Buddhism and idea of simple-minded, Taoism. Even though each idea is a main theme of one of three belief systems, all of them are found in Tao Teh Ching, which well shows Taoism ideas. Therefore, one can know that two other belief systems are partially related in Taoism.- In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
- I personally think that relaxing mind means to get rid of complex ideas and make mind simple, a Taoist idea. Reinforcing abdomen means to think about core or inner mind and respect, which relates to Confucianism. Also, gentling will represents clearing desire or greed, which is found in also Buddhism. Also, strengthening bones tells one to be fully filled with principles of these belief systems.- Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
- In Tao Te Ching, it is described that government should not be strict to limit people from doing. However, this contradicts Confucius' ideal, which is that government should lead people. I think the government that Tao Te Ching describes is not absolutely, but most similar to anarchy because the government doesn't do any actions and has no big role. I think this is not a good system because if the government doesn't restrict people, then there are definitely going to be people who commit crimes, make society unstable, and will eventually turn in to chaos.- Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
- To me, not daring to take lead means that one should not get into high position just because of ambition. I agree with this because most people, who tries to get in position simply for their reputation or any personal interest, don't care about what happens after they get into position. As they achieved their goal, they don't mind anything, take no responsibilities, and don't work hard. Therefore, this warns people who are ambitious to think about if they are going to work hard, take responsibilities, and be help to others.The Tao of Pooh Wikipost
1. summary
Benjamin Hoff , the author of “The Tao of Pooh” has written the book of Taoism in an easy manner. He took the famous character of Winnie the Pooh and has written the book as if he is talking to him. The result is phenomenal as he was able to make the audience understand the complex principles of Taoism through easy English and language as if he talking to a kid and making him understand the complex principles of Taoism. During the pages, the conversation starts with Benjamin as he is writing in first person and Winnie the Pooh regarding various ways to pronounce various words.Then he tries to understand the principle of uncarved block and compares that with the Pooh, the bear because at times he seems too simple. Piglet and rabbit started also giving their opinion as everybody was resting in a sand pit and although they were getting bored by it, but they cannot do anything but to expect it as a resting abode. However after some time they came to conclusion that Rabbit and owl are brainy but the mist brainy who also has the biggest attitude is Eeyore the donkey. But everyone admitted that everybody like Pooh, maybe because of the principle of uncarved block. They tried to understand the reason behind it but could not get except the fact that he is a fun to be with and he thinks life as fun.
2. discussion questions
1. How is P'u defined? How does compositions of written charater P'u match with definition of P'u? (p.11)
2. To what range is Taoist principle applied? (p.11)
3. What does Pooh mean when he says that what they weren't looking for might be what they were actually looking for? (p.13)
4. Why does Pooh, or Taoist, think that having brain makes somebody never able to understand anything? (p.15)
5. Pooh couldn't describe Uncarved Block. Why? (p.19)
6. How are Confucianists going to think about Taoist belief that not being smart is harmless and silly things sometimes turn out to be right?
3. thematic analysis
The theme of life explained by Tao suggests the completeness of life in living within the laws of the nature. It is no doubt that we have to face the difficulties daily. This implies to the fact as we all are aware of the problems that has to come to our lives but we don’t relish these problems and try our best to avoid the inevitable. Lao Tse has described that if we are going to try harder to do this the life will either taste sour as described in Confucianism or bitter as mentioned in Buddhism, but if we take it “The Way” it is dawned upon us by the nature then it will sweet because it has the adventure of hunting like a dog and sweetness of singing like a bird. Trying to manipulate it the human way will ultimately leads to sufferings and we stop enjoying it. Hence, we must follow the Pooh’s way of living for the moment and not worrying for what is to come because that will not allow us to become happy and relish our life. Pooh enjoys life and thinks it as a fun, which is very necessary in the modern world as people do not understand this and continue to worry unnecessarily. Thus one should be relaxed and take life as a funas this is the understanding of the principle of uncarved block in Taoism.
Taoism Poem Questions
- Why does the author choose a butterfly?
- Because butterfly flies and humans dream of flying, I think the butterfly is illustrated as human's desire.- What is the importance of the water cycle?
- Water is repeating its form in cycle, so I think water cycle shows that humans change over time. In other words, people keep changing in their forms.- What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
Even though the farmer was former prince, he became a farmer. Prince would obviously have not wanted to be farmer, so the poem tells that you can be a type of person that you didn't want.- What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
Humans dream of ideal world or what they want to do, but there are times when they have to do what they don't want. Therefore, the author is trying to convey that humans should live as the world is.The Tao of Pooh Questions
- What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The significance is that the painting illustrates three teachings of China with vinegar representing Essence of Life.- What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
By working in harmony with whatever happens in your life, you will live happy life.- How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Uncarved block is not cut, so has its original simplicity and natural power.- What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
The secret message is that, by being simpleminded, you can accomplish what you do.- What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
The conflict was that scholars were on side of Confucianist, so had biased views, favoring Confucianism ideas.- Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Rabbit and owl represent Confucianist and pooh represents Taoist.- What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
Hoff thinks that Confucianist scholars study too much for knowledge for themselves using difficult words, hindering the spread of Confucianism. Also, they don't get enlightened.- What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
Hoff says that they are different. Also, knowledge from experience is more valuable than simple knowledge.- What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
The cause of problems is because it results, either directly or indirectly, into limitations, nearsightedness, or neglect- What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness, is not good because it has its limitations. Moreover It is a mechanical judgment and at times clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn't look very deeply into things, while Inner Nature is always preferred as it's pretty much beyond the reality and honest and also close to human nature power of the intellect to measure or understand- Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
people must discern inner nature because When they know and respect their own Inner Nature, they know where they belong. They also know where they don't belong.- Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
It means that those who know what's wrong with them and take care of themselves accordingly will tend to live a lot longer than those who consider themselves perfectly healthy and neglect their weaknesses. So, in that sense at least, a Weakness of some sort can do you a big favor, if you acknowledge that it's there.- What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
He means that We don't need to imitate Nearsighted Science, Neither we must peers at the world through an electron microscope, looking for answers it will never find but coming up with more questions instead. We don't need to play Abstract Philosopher, asking unnecessary questions and coming up with meaningless answers we must be relaxed and work with things as they are answers- What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
Inner Nature, when relied on, cannot be fooled. But many people do not look at it or listen to it, and consequently do not understand themselves very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others.- What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The Way of Self-Reliance starts with recognizing who we are, what we've got to work with, and what works best for us.- How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
The basic Taoism that we are concerned with here is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working, with whatever happens in everyday life It means that the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.Taoism is not found in the lifeless writings of the humorless Academic Mortician, whose bleached-out Scholarly Dissertations contain no more of the character of Taoist wisdom as some people think.- What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
Wu Wei, or “The Pooh Way”, is defined as “without doing, causing, or making”, according to Hoff. This basically means that you shouldn’t struggle to go against nature, and just live with the natural laws.- How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
Tao does not try to change the natural laws, and accepts the way that the nature provides him to do things. Nothing is not done, would mean that something is done, even though Tao didn’t try to change the way of nature. Wu Wei, or “The Pooh Way”, meant that one should not go against the nature of things, and this was what Tao was basically referring to.- How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi does not use force, yet the main idea of the practice is to wear the opponent out by sending ones energy back to weaken the opponents power, balance, and position-for-defense. Since Wu Wei (Taoism) also overcomes force by neutralizing its power, rather than using force, it is reflected as a martial art.- Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
I personally think that I am a Bisy Backson due to the fact that everything I do relates to work. Even though I don’t wish to study, it is part of my work, that must be accomplished, and even as I rest, I rest in order to work, so rest would go into the section of work.- What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
Bisy Backson views the American history as a progress of fighting and overcoming, a palce that doesn’t have much peace, but only uncomfortable fighting according to Hoff. A real progress would involve growing and development, that would involve change in the inside.- How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
Bisy Backson wastes time because he tries to save time, which eventually goes into the waste. Hoff doesn’t believe that one can save time, but can spend it wisely.- What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
The Youthful Immortal is having a young appearance with energy, that allows you through out a long living life. One must discover the Secrets of Life in order to achieve such abilities.- What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
True happiness in life is from the process that we go through, in order to reach our goals because it is what motivates us to actually do something. Once someone achieves their goal, they must make a new one, or else they wouldn’t have such a desire to live a long life, since they don’t have a goal. Through out the process of struggling to achieve a goal, you are might be rewarded, and learn new things that you didn’t know before.- What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
Taoism states that everyone is “special” and therefore we need to find what we are best at and do what we are good at. The stonecutter is important because he shows a man who was dissatisfied with his position. However, when he found out that he was the only one who could destroy one stone, he felt powerful.- Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
It has significance because compassion brings wisdom and because the root of the Latin word heart, cor, is the basis for the word courage. If one is not caring or compassionate about something, that person cannot be wise nor courageous.- Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One finds wisdom, happiness and courage when they appreciate who they are and what they have at the moment. Since everything works as a cycle, they are at the beginning of the cycle and at the end. Therefore, when they realize who they are is precious, they will find wisdom, happiness and courage.- What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
He states that nothing is after all something and that something real is nothing at all. They state that nothingness is the key to achieving a fresh mind.- Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
Empty sort of mind is valuable because it can see what’s in front of it. Overstuffed mind is not able to do this. The more stuffed up a person is, the less person will be likely hear with their own ears and see it with their own eyes. Knowledge impedes them in thinking their own way.- Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
The quote “To attain knowledge, add things everyday. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” means that if people want knowledge, they should learn everyday and add knowledge to their brain. However, if one wants to be wise, their mind needs to be clear of everything according to Taoism and therefore, they have to empty it. Only those with empty mind will be able to see things clearly.- Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
Child is the highest stage of development because they are pure and they don’t have much knowledge. They are clear-minded and all-seeing. This quality lets them be wise compared to adults who know a lot.- Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
Knowledge lets one to look things in the wrong way and in the wrong place. Therefore, knowledge and cleverness goes on wrecking things. Taoism states that nothing comes from Knowledge and Cleverness.Confucius Quotes (humanity)
"Is humanity far away? As soon as I want it, there it is right by me." (7:29) by Confucius
= this quote is saying that as soon as you decide to be part of humanity, you can be. Therefore, your mind is what determines you.
- discussion question*
- What kind of quality or virtue is jen or humanity, and what kind of person could be called a person of humanity?
Loving everybody, not being selfish, and having no greed are qualities of humanity. A person of humanity should be able to live with others peacefully and would work for him/herself, but would also help others while doing it.- Do you find any similarities between the humanity of Confucius and the guiding principles of another religious tradition with which you may be familiar - for example, love or charity in Christianity, social responsibility in Judaism, or compassion in Buddhism? Any differences? Note: you might need to examine those faiths of which you know very little in order to learn something about them before answering this question.
Humanity of Confucius states to help not only yourself, but also the others. Similar to it, in Christianity, Christians help people, especially poor people, when they need help. However, Confucianism focus more on having good relationships with others by helping, but Christianity is concentrating more on providing basic requirements for living for people who need help.Confucianism notes
Buddhism story
Buddhism sects comparison chart
WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
- They both don't exist physically, so their existences depend on whether you believe them or not. Also, they act as guideline for your life.
- They are important because they sometimes make people to calm down and feel confidence when having hard time. Also, they lead how you should live and what to aim at during lifetime.
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